Brock Elementary School is one of 300 schools from 36 states across the country to receive a $5,000 grant through the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries. The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries awarded $1.5 million in library grants this year.  

“Congratulations to the 2023 Laura Bush Foundation Grant Recipients! I am thrilled that school librarians across the country will soon be able to update their library collections," Mrs. Laura Bush said.  Kathy Schmidt, the Brock Elementary Library Media Technology Specialist said, “I am so excited to receive this grant. We will use the grant money to update our library collection at Brock Elementary with more diverse books that better reflect our student population."

Mrs. Bush revealed her 2023 summer reading list, which includes recommendations for young readers through middle schoolers at the annual Laura Bush Book Club event, as part of the Engage at the Bush Center series presented by NexPoint, with support from H-E-B. Selections feature books on family, adventure, and gratitude. The list contains classics like The Little House as well as new releases like The Loud Librarian, featuring Dallas illustrator, Erika Lynne Jones.  

“This year's summer reading list includes an old favorite, Charlotte's Web, which I remember reading to my daughters when they were little," Mrs. Bush said. “As a former teacher and librarian, I know that the most important thing parents and caregivers can do for their children is to read to them. So, I hope you bring this list to your local library and pick out a few books to read with your family this summer. Your kids will love it, and so will you."

Grant applications for the 2023-2024 school year will open in late 2023. Visit laurabushfoundation.org to learn more.   

The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries supports school libraries with the greatest needs with the goal of encouraging all students to develop a love of reading and learning. Since its inception in 2002, it has awarded $21 million to more than 3,600 schools across the country.  

The George W. Bush Institute's Education and Opportunity work, which houses the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries, is generously supported by The Allstate Foundation. The Laura Bush Foundation is managed as a restricted fund at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas.  More information can be found at laurabushfoundation.org and www.bushcenter.org.